Vier meisjes bij een put 1837 - 1853

Johannes Christiaan d' Arnaud Gerkens created this print, "Four Girls by a Well," using lithography, a process that allows for the creation of nuanced tonal variations. Lithography involves drawing on a flat stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon, then treating the surface so that ink adheres only to the drawn areas. Look closely and you’ll notice the velvety blacks and soft greys, achieved by carefully controlling the pressure and amount of ink applied. This print is made in multiple stages, each requiring specialized skill and labor. First the image is drawn, then etched, and finally printed. The relatively low cost of lithography compared to engraving meant that it became widely used for commercial and artistic purposes alike. By focusing on the graphic process, we can consider the social context in which this image was made, reflecting the shift towards mass production and consumption that defined the 19th century. Next time you see a print, remember that it represents not just an image, but a whole chain of skilled labor and material transformation.